SERMON 



DELIVERED AT WESTFIELD, Noybmbsu ISth I81f ; 



AT TUB FVNE8AL 07 



iMqf. Gen. WILLIAM SHEFAliD, 



AGED EIGHTY. 



COMTAIXIKC 

BRIEF SKETCHES OF HIS LIFE, 
By ISAAC KNAPI*, A. M. 

rASTOft OF THB COKCRBOAtlONAI. CKUECS. 



kO'l&Sc 



1PU8LSSHED BY REqUESTa 



SPRINGFIELD, MS. 

VKINTEID BT THOMAS DtCSMAHo 

1818. 



A SERMON. 



2 CHRONICLES, xxxv. 24. 
And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for JosiAi* 

THE history of God's ancient covenant people fur- 
nishes striking proofs, that the hearts of men arc 
strongly inclined to depart from the right vyays of the Lord, 
God gave them statutes which were good ; but they quick- 
ly corrupted and forsook his ordinances, and worshipped 
the gods of the heathen. Deaf to warnings and mad 
upon their idols, they proceeded from evil to eviL The 
sacred edifice on Mount Zion, where the God of Israel had 
placed his name, was almost deserted. Their polluted 
hearts loathed those holy rites which God had instituted. 
Delighted with the abominations of the heathen, they 
builded altars for Baalim and worshipped the hosts of hea- 
ven. All sinful nation^ a people laden with iniquity^ a seed 
of evil doers, children that are corrupters ! They have for* 
saken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One oflsrn- 
el unto anger, they are gone axvay backward. 

But while the mind is pained in contemplating their re- 
peated apostacies, we admire the patience and long- suffer- 
ing of God. The measure of their iniquity was not yet 
full, and before he gave them over to bondage and the 
sword, he raised up Josiah to sit upon the throne, and in- 
spired him with holy zeal to attempt the work of reforma- 
tion. The history of this godly king you may read in the 
context, and in the parallel records, in the second book of 
the Kings. He did thmt which was right in the sight of 
the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father. 
At the age of 20, he began to remove, from the land of 
Judah, the monuments of idolatry. Beginning at Jerusa- 
lem, he proceeded through all the cities, demolishing the 
high places, and breaking down the graven and moulteni 
images. Having removed the altars which had been con- 
secrated to idols, he sat himself to repair the house of the 
Lord his God. While employed in this pious work, he 



[4] 

found a copy of the Law, which had been long n«glccted 
and generally forgotten ; and having assembled the men 
of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all the peo- 
ple, he read, in their cars, the words of that book. Then, 
standing in his plase, he entered into covenant widi God 
to keep his commandments and statutes, with his whole 
heart. Influenced by his example, and perhaps, swayed 
by his authority, the people generally, renounced their 
idols, and externally followed the Lord, the God of their 
fathers. He then assembled the people to celebrate the 
passover ; and it is written, that There was no passover 
like thatf kept in Israel^ from the days of Samuel the 
Prophet, After this he lived 13 years, a zealous worship- 
per of God, and a faithful friend to his people. But hu- 
man influence cannot produce a radical and lasting refor- 
mation. The people, in general, did not turn unto the 
Lord, with their hearts. By abusing their privileges they 
were ripening for destruction. They were unworthy of 
such a prince, and God, in his holy providence, removed 
him in the meridian of his days. 

But it may appear to some, that a shade is cast over the 
religious character of Josiah, by the circumstances of his 
death. If he engaged in an unjust and unnecessary war, 
his conduct certainly adniits of no apology. Let us not, 
however, too hastily, condemn one whom God so highly 
commends. The king of Egypt had marched an army 
jnto Josiah's own territory, for the professed purpose of 
subduing a province of the king of Babylon, between 
whom and Josiah, there was now a treaty of alliance. 
And what king or emperor would doubt the justice of re- 
sisting an army marched into his own territory, for the pro- 
fessed purpose of attacking his ally ? Pharaoh, indeed, sent 
to Josiah, that he had no hostile designs against him, and 
with plausible words, desired him to remain in peace. 
But Josiah was not ignorant of the deceit and treachery of 
this ambitious king. And do we not all know, that the 
fair speeches of ambitious invaders are not entitled to con- 
fidence. In such a crisis, how could Josiah remain neu- 
tral, without violating his treaty, with the king of Babylon, 
and exposing his own cowntry to the ravages, of one or 
the other of thes^ pewerfal monarchs ? Does it not admit, 
of, at k^stj a iprobable i^upposition, thai in going out 



[5] 

9,^ainst the king of Egypt, he was actuated by a sense of 
duty to i^is country, and his ally ? But, as a judgment on 
tlic nation, he was permitted to fall by the sword. The 
inspired penman speaks, of Josiah's character, in terms of 
the highest commendation. Like unto him there was no 
king before him that turned unto the Lord with all his 
hearty neither after him arose any like him. Such is his 
short but expressive eulogy. While he lived, he was a 
public blessing ; and when he died, all Judah and Jerusa- 
lem mourned. 

From the historical fact, now before us, I deduce the 
two following observations, 

I. Integrity of heart is that, which stamps si value upon 
man j and 

II. When men of this character are removed by death, 
there is reason for mourning. 

The phrase, integrity of hearty I do not use, in its vague 
and popular sense. I mean by it, a heart that is right to- 
wards God. The man, who possesses it, is in^uenced, 
by a regard to God's requirements. He believes that 
there is a God, who reigns above ; that his government is 
over all, and that obedience, to his will, is the reasonable 
service of every intelligent creature. He feels his ac- 
countability to him, who will bring every work into judg- 
ment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or evil. 
He believes that God's holy law is the only standard and 
rule of righteousness, makes it the subject of his frequent 
and devout meditation, and exercises himself to keep a 
conscience void of offence, towards God and towards man. 
He loves to draw near to God, in all the ways of his ap- 
pointment, esteems the sabbath a delight, and reverences 
the sanctuary. The way of salvation, which the gospel 
points out, he cordially approves. The mercy of God, 
through the Redeemer, is his only hope. Feeling that, by- 
nature and practice he is a sinner, he looks to the Lamb of 
God which taketh away sin, and earnestly seeks the sanc- 
tifying influences of the Holy Spirit, to render him more 
conformed to the will of his Heavenly Father, 



C6] 

In spe:ikip.,s^ oC one wlio has integrity of heart, I vvouid 
not describe him as faultless. Where is the man to whom 
such a df scrij:>tioa -vould apply ? For, in many things, do 
we not all off;;nd '? But he who has integrity of heart, 
nhile he sees and laments hi:> imperfections, has the tes- 
timony of his conscience, that he delights in the law of the 
LiOrd. 'Jhe \;jrying opinions of the world are not the 
rule, by which, his life is regulated. He has higher views 
than to please men. The approbation of his fellovv mor- 
t'dls he can cheerfully relinquish, when it comes ic\ compe> 
tition with duty. Actuated by this noble principle, he is 
raijrcd above tke frowns and flatteries of men, and is soli- 
citous ever to be found where duty calls him. Who will 
deny that such a pririciple, wherever it nuiy be found, 
stamps a dignity on the human character, and renders it 
valuible af!d excellent. It is a character which God 
approves; for iutegiity ct h^ait is the moral image of 
hiinseif. 

Those, and those only, who are possessed of moral ex- 
cellence, are deserving of esteem and honor. Do you 
esteem the man v, jio is distinguished for his military ta- 
lents, when yon know that aml-ition is his idol, and that 
lie is destitute of moral principle ? How many such attract 
our notice, on the bloody pages of history. Their memo- 
ries are detested by all the good. The Tamerlanes and 
Charles the Xntr.s, and Napoleons, are to be viewed as 
the scourges of God, to afflict and distress a guilty world. 
Destruction and misery are in their tuai/<i. 

But he, u'ho is possessed of integrity of heart, is a pub. 
lie blessing. He is faithful to God and his fel'ov men, it» 
whatever station IVovidence may have placed him. Is he 
called to act in public life, his mental en«rgies are directed 
to the temporal and eternal welfare of mankind. Is he 
vested with nviJitary command, he will not betray the 
righteous canst of his country ; but valiantly maintain her 
rights. Is he called to t!ie Magistracy, he will protect the 
injured and not bear the sword in vain. The nobie prin- 
ciple, by whicii iie is actuated, has a tendency to the pro- 
motion of universal and permantnt happiness. 

When we see splendid intellectual endowments, com- 
bined with uprighniess and benevolence, we behold the 
true dignity and plorv of min. Such were Moses, and 



[ 7] 

Nehcmiah, and Daniel, and Paul. Such, we believe, wcr-^ 
many of those, whom God, in his providence, raibtdup to 
assert and maintain our national independence, and estab- 
lish our invaluable constitutions of government, hiuch 
are deserving of distinguished honor. iMay their meniory 
long be cherished, and their characters be i;eld in \n^h 
veneration. Their salutary influence, un mankind, is JJke 
the light of the mornings when the sunriseth^ even a morn- 
ing without cleuds. Beloved, like Josiah, and like Wash- 
ington, by all the good, they are lamented in their death. 
For, 

II, When men of this character are removed bv deatl), 
there is reason for mourning. 

1st. We mourn, when such are removed by death, be. 
cause their example is valuable. Few, indeed, are so ob- 
scure and inconsiderable as not to have some influence, by 
their example. But when talents and piety arc clothed 
with office, and combine their influence, the pouer of ex- 
ample is proportionably increased. Christian virtue, when 
in such a station, shines with an attractive lustre and in- 
vites the imitation of the beholder. Such are luminaries 
in the moral world, exhibiting the reflected beams of the 
Sun of Righteousness. Their upright conversation, their 
conscientious regard to the divine law, as the rule of duty, 
instructs the ignorant and strengthens the children of God. 
When tlie church has many such, she is not only fair as 
the moon, but terrible as an army with banners. 

2nd. When such are removed by death, we mourn their 
loss, because of their active beneficence. They are the 
benefactors of the human race. Such are those who arc 
combining their influence and furnishing the means, to 
cause the everlasting gospel to be preached to all nations ; 
to dispel the thick clouds which have so long hidden the 
Sun of Righteousness, from the view of millions of our 
fellow men. . Such are those, who are causing the Bible to 
search its way into the recesses of heathenism ; to diffuse 
its heavenly light, through the frozen regions of the north, 
and the torrid climes of the equator. Such are they, who 
are endeavouring to banish war, and oppression, and sla- 



[8] 

tery, from the abodes of men. Such is Wilberfordei 
With his capacious and undaunted soul, warmed with the 
love of God, and with good will to men deeply en,sfravert 
on his heart ; the powers of hi& mind, and the influence 
derived from his exalted station, are devoted to the cause 
of rational liberty, and christian piety. For a long time 
baffled, but never discouraged, his unyielding efforts have^ 
fit length, broken the chains of slavery, and Africa hails 
him as her deliverer. 

But those whose talents are less splendid, and whose 
station is less elevated, if they possess the same spirit, are 
the benefactors of mankind. They are seeking the tem- 
poral and eternal good of their fellow men. Their neigh- 
bor's interest and comfort they make their own. The law 
of equity is the rule of their life. They will extend aid 
to the afflicted, and administer consolation to the comfort- 
less. They are ready to raise up those who have fallen 
into wretchedness, and in a word, to do good to all, as 
they have means and opportunity. When such die, have 
not the friends of humanity reason to mourn ? 

3rd. We mourn, when such are removed by death, be- 
cause they are men of prayer, and as such have power with 
God, and prevail. By this, they bring the strength of Je- 
hovah to their aid, and unlock the infinite treasures of di- 
vine goodness. The Lord of heaven makes himself known 
as a prayer hearing God. When Aaron filled his censor 
and interceded for the people, the plague was stayed. 
When Moses prayed, the rebellious children of Israel 
were rescued from immediate destruction. When Heze- 
kiah spread forth his hands unto the Lord, the powerful 
army of Senacherib was overthrown. But the time would 
fail me, to recount the instances which prove, that the ef. 
fectualyfetvent prayer of the righteous man cvaikth much, 

4th. We mourn the loss of such, because innumerable 
benefits come upon the world of mankind, through their 
instrumentality. Is it not for their sakes that the world is 
upheld, and that impenitent sinners are reprieved, from 
immediate destruction ? Our Saviour says to them. Ye 
are the salt of the earth. The meaning of this figure can- 
not easily be mistaken. The righteous, by continuing ©n 



the earth, preserve it from ruin. Wlien the last of them is 
called awyy, the world will be upheld no longer. The 
Judge will descend, and all things will be brought to their 
final consummation. 

The upright in heart are purchased with the precious 
blood of the Son cf God, and raised from the ruins of the 
apostacy, by the renewing and sanctifying influences of the 
Holy Spirit, 'j'hey are formed into the moral image of 
God, and as sKch are precious in his sight, his jewels and 
his treasure, vessels of mercy, prepared unto glory. Their 
worth is generally overlooked, by an unbelieving world. 
Those, who possess splendid natural talents and aspiring 
ambition, often have their deeds rehearsed, with general 
acclamation. But they possess, by no means, that value 
which they vainly suppose. They are, indeed, iristru- 
ments which God employs to accomplish his purposes ; 
but the pillars of society are composed of very different 
materials. They are the upright in hear^. When such 
are removed, by death, we mourn not ori their account ; 
for to them y iG die is gain. Supported by the christian 
hope, they can meet death with composure and joy. By 
the light of divine truth, we can behold them, in those, 
mansions of blessedness, where, God shall wipe a\vay alt 
tears from their eyes ; And there shall be no more deaths 
neither sorrow^ nor crying^ neither shall there be any more 
pain ; for the former things are passed away. Blessed 
are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth ; yea 
saith the Spirit^ that they may rest from their labors, and 
their works do follow them. 

But, in such a World as this do We feel that there is any 
moral goOdncess to spare ? When such arc removed by 
death, there is a " diminution of the aggregate stock of 
human worth ;" a loss which cannot be estimated by gold 
and silver ; and we feel constrained to say, Help, Lord ; 
for the godly man eeaseth ; for the faithful fail from a- 
mong the children of men. 

My brethren and ffiends, We are this day called to no 
ordinary scene of mourning. To eulogise the dead can- 
not be proper ; but the memory of distinguished charac- 
ters is entitled to particular respect. It should be engrav- 
en on the grateful recollection of posterity* that the gen- 



[ 10] 

crations to come may rightly estimate their worth, «nd 
imitate their virtues. 

Most of that ilkistrious band» who, nnder Providence, 
aided in raising our country, from the dependent state of 
colonies, to a dignified rank among the nations of the 
earth, have gone the way whence they shall not return. 
The memory of many of them is blessed. We are this 
day to deposit the remains of another of them, in the 
mansions of the dead. You knew and you esteemed this 
venerable man ; and you will expect from me, on this 
occasion, some brief sketches of his character, and of 
the scenes through which he has passed. 

The Hon. William Shepard was the second son of 
Deacon John Shepard. He was born December 1st. A. 
D. 1737. The opportunities for literary acquisitions 
were then comparatively small, and he was favored with 
no more than, was then considered a common education. 
By his christian parents, he was early taught that fear of 
the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom. Respecting 
his youthful years, we can only say, that he was distin- 
guished for his sobriety and faithfulness, in whatever 
employment was assigned him, and that he gave early 
intimations of firmness and decision of character. 

At the age of 17, he commenced his military career, by 
enlisting as a private soldier, to defend his country against 
the incursions of the French and Indians, by whom our 
frontier settlements were exposed to continual ravages- 
In many parts of our country, it was then a period of pe- 
culiar anxiety and distress. At the age of 19, he was ap- 
pointed to the office of Sergeant, and marched with the 
provincial troops to Canada. In the year 1758, he held 
the office of Lieutenant, in the army commanded by Gen. 
Abercromby ; and in the year following, had the com- 
mission of Captain, under General Amherst. In this war, 
he served his country six years, in the course of which, 
he was called to act in many difficult situations, and expos- 
ed to iminent dangers. He was in the disastrous engage- 
ment at Fort William Henry, and in those successful en- 
gagements when Ticonderoga, Crown Point, Isleau Noix, 
St. John's and Montreal submitted to our arms. He re* 
mained in the army, till Canada was subdued, and peace 



established. The hardships and dangers of these cam- 
paigns cannot be understood, without reading the history 
of that war. He had to pass through extensive tracts of 
wilderness, many of his companions in arms were over- 
powered with fatigue, and pined away with sickness ; 
many of them fell victims to siivage ambuscades, and ma- 
ny were slain before the fortresses of the enemy. In these 
trying scenes, he was distinguished by his hardihood, in- 
trepidity, and perseverance. He never shrunk from the 
post of danger. But his valuable life was preserved for 
future usefulness. 

At the close of that war, he returned to this, his native 
town, and remained, about 13 years, in private life. In 
1760 he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Dewey, 
who, for 57 years, has been his affectionate companion, 
and is now his afflicted widow. His morals and religious 
principles were not corrupted, by his residence in the 
camp. As a citizen, he was then highly respectable and 
exemplary, employed in agricultural pursuits, affection- 
ately attentive to his then growing family, and strongly 
attached to the domestic circle. 

But he was destined again to appear in defence of his 
country. His opinion and his feelings were strongly in- 
listed against the oppressive claims of Great-Britain. He 
saw that the American Colonics, feeble as they then were, 
must either defend themselves or sink down in slavery. 
His military talents were known and his country called 
him to her aid. His native state had become the seat of 
war, and its capital was in the hands of the enemy. In tke 
year 1775, he accepted the office of Lieutenant Colonel, 
and repaired to the camp at Roxbury, where he continued, 
under the command, and near to the person of Washing- 
ton, till the British forces retired from Boston. 

The year following, he went to New-York, having the 
ofSce of Colonel. He was in the hazardous but successful 
enterprize of bringing off our troops from Long Island ; 
and when the British landed at Fell's Point, near New 
York, Col. Shepard was appointed by Washington, to 
guard the retreat of the American army. A few hundred, 
under his command, were to check the progress of the 
whole British army, till the American forces could retire, 
10 a place of safety. The event proved that he was wor. 



[ 12 ] 

%hy of so important a trust. In executing this perilous, 
task, he received a wound from a musket ball which pass- 
ed through his neck. In a few weeks however he so far 
recovered that he resumed the command of his regiment. 

For a considerable time after this, the diificukies, em- 
barrassments, and suft'erings of the American army were 
inconceivably great. But Col. Shepard remained steads 
fast, at the side of his great commander. He had girded 
on his sword, from a sense of dut}', and at the call of his 
country, and would not lay it aside while the cause of A- 
merican Freedom needed his aid. Dangers and hardships 
could never drive him from the post of duty. He was one 
of those who, under Washington, attacked and c^tptured 
the Hessians at Trenton, and soon after, a detachment of 
the British at Princeton. 

When Burgoyne invaded us, from the north. Colonel 
Shepard was detached to join the northern army, under 
General Ga;es ; and was personally concerned in the im- 
portant confiict, which led to Burgoyne's capitulation. 
From this, he immediately rejoined the Commander in 
Chief, in Pennsylvania. He was near to the person of 
Washington, in several partial engagements, about this 
time, and in the battle at Monmouth, where the enemy 
was defeated. In the retreat from Rhode-Island, he gav^ 
most ample testimonies of his skill and bravery. 

In the year 1780, he had the command of a Brigade, un- 
der the Marquis de la Fayette ; and retained the command 
of a Brigade until he retired from the army. His zeal for 
the independence of his country was honorably attested, iu 
many of the bloodiest battles of the war. At the peace ia 
1783, he had fought in twenty-two battles, and established 
a high character for bravery, sound judgmeut and hij,- 
nianity. 

As to his military character, he was ever ready, at the 
call of duty, to endure hardship and to face danger. He 
knew how to command, and how to obey. Whatever or- 
ders he received from his superiors in office, were sure to 
be executed, with promptness and fidelity ; and he could 
command the obedience of those under hi,m, without usin^ 
amj profane language. In all the temptations incident to 
the camp, he, through the grace of God, kept himself pure. 
He stood high ia the esteem of his illustrious Commandeif 



C 13] 

in Cliief. Few, if any officers of his rank, shared more 
largrely in the confidence of Washington. When the cause 
ot ills country no longer required him in the CAuip ; when 
he saw that our independence was sure to be achieved, 
'' He returned hke Cinciiinatws to his plough." 

But abilities and intejjrity, like his, could not be con- 
cealed from his fellow citizens, immediately after the 
peace, he was appointed to represent this town, in the 
Legislature of the state. He was soon called to the Se- 
nate, where he remained four years, and then to the coun- 
cil chamber, where he continued five years. For many 
years, he held the office of Major General of the militia. 

The part which he acted on Springfield hill, in the tu- 
piults which were excited soon after the close of the war, 
was the most disagreeable service which he ever perform- 
ed. To those of you, who have arrived at the middle of 
life, the circumstances are well known. Though many of 
his fellow citizens then dissented from him in opinion, all, 
it is presumed, now believe, that he was actuated by up- 
right motives, and aimed at the good of his country. 

In the year 1797, he was appointed a Representative to 
the Congress of the United States, in which high office he 
continued for six years, and was twice one of the Electors 
of President of the United States. 

In the year 1796, he was appointed by the Governor 
and Council of this State, to treat with the Penobscot In- 
dians, in the purchase of lands ; and in the year following, 
was selected, by the national government, to treat with the 
Six Nations, at Genessee river. These last appoint- 
ments, like all the others with Vv'hich he has been honored, 
were executed to the entire satisfaction of his employers 
and his countrymen. 

Having arrived at the age of 6S, finding distressing in- 
firmities to increase upon him, he declined all further pub- 
lic employments, resolving to spend the remainder of his 
days in the bosom of his family and the service of his 
God. The most prominent traits of his character were 
sound judgment, undaunted courage and unbending in- 
tegrity. It was integrity of heart which stamped a value 
on his character. He was a lover of his country ; a friend 
to the peace and religious order pf society, and we believQ 
a cordial friend to the Kingdom of he Ikdeemer, 



C 14] 

Notwithstanding so large a portion of his life was spent 
in public service, he never lost his attachment to the pur- 
suits of agriculture. To these he always betook himself, 
"vvith the greatest alacrity, whenever his circumstances 
H'ould permit. Instead of being enriched by the emolu- 
ments of office, from his farm he derived the principal 
means of his support. In his intercourse with men, he 
was easy of access, and, from the fund of general knowl- 
edge which he possessed, joined with his strong social 
feelings, his conversation was highly interesting. 

You know his high respect for the institutions of Chris- 
tianity. He has, for thirty -four years, been a professor of 
the religion of the gospel, and for twenty. eight years, a 
Deacon in this church. You have witnessed his constant 
and devout attendance on the worship of God in his sanc- 
tuary. Nothing, but the most imperious necessity, could 
detain him from God's house. He was not one of those, 
who seek to quiet their consciences, by only an occasional 
attendance. We knew that there were special and urgent 
reasons for his absence, if we did not see him in his seat. 

In his religious sentiments, he w?s a decided advocate 
of those doctrines which ascribe all the glory of the sin- 
ner's salvation to God. He was not ashamed to acknowl- 
edge himself to be a creature ruined by sin, and hoping 
for salvation, only through the atoning merits of an Infi- 
nite Redeemer. He believed in the necessity of being 
renewed and sanctified, by the Holy Ghost. The burden 
of his prayer, as you can bear witness, INiy Brethren, w-as 
that God would grant the influences of the Holy Spirit, to 
revive his work and build up the Kingdom of Emanuel. 

It is not pretended that he was free from defects. This 
would be pretending that he was not human. In his last 
years, the foibles of a mind, impaired with age, were often 
visible. But that he was a great and a good man, you will 
not hesitate to acknowledge. He was an ornament to the 
town in which he lived, and to the church of which he was 
i) member. His house was a house of prayer ; and you 
have often witnessed the apparent fervour of his devotions, 
in the sanctuary. We have reason to mourn that such a 
pillar of society is removed from among us. His features, 
his actions, and his voice, we shall not soon forget ; but we 
phall sse him no more with the living. That hand, which 



CIS] 

has wielded the sword in defence of his country, which has 
been employed in the honorable pursuits of agriculture, 
and which has borne the sacred vesselt of the sanctuary, 
is cold and lifeless. That voice, which has roused his 
countrymen to deeds of valour, which has been heard in 
the councils of our nation, and which we have heard in 
this house, in solemn prayer to the God of mercy, v/e shall 
hear no more. Those eyes which beamed intelligence 
and were expressive of firmness, are closed in death. 

For several months previous to his decease, he seerBcd 
sensible that the decays of age and the gradual progress 
of his disorder must soon terminate his life. He general- 
ly had the exercise of his reason, and viewed the ap. 
proaches of death with composure. Patient, resigned, 
and cheerful, his hope, we trust, was founded on the 
rock of ages. His language was, " I am a poor unwor- 
*' thy sinner ; but Jesus is an Almighty Saviour. To him 
" I commit my soul. In him alone is my hope." 

. Our respected friend and father has left an afflicted 
widow, who for 57 years, has been his companion, and 
six children, thirty-three grand- children, and four of the 
third generation. 

With the solitary widow, we sincerely sympathize. 
While you weep over your honorable and devout compan- 
ion, you will reflect with gratitude, on his eminent worth, 
and that he has been permitted to live so long. If you 
trust in God he will cause light to arise out of darkness, 
and sweeten your afflictions, with the consolations of his 
spirit. To the Great Comforter of the afflicted we com- 
mend you. May he cause this affliction to work for your 
everlasting good. 

Let the children remember the counsels of love and pi- 
ety which they have received, from a father's lips. Re- 
member his prayers and his example. Let his uncom- 
mon integrity be the object of your imitation. Remem- 
ber that integrity of heart is that which gives value to 
character. Follow him in all that he followed Christ. Let 
all the afflicted rely on a gracious God for support. In 
him, the bereaved may find a friend, who will never leave 
nor forsake them« 



t 16 ] 

Tlie church, in this place, is called to mourn the loss 
of one, who has long been an important member. My 
brethren, we arc loudly admonished, by this solemn prov- 
idence. While we feel our loss, let us earnestly beseech 
the Lord, to raise up many from among our sons to stand 
in the place of the fathers. Awakened, by this solemn 
call, let us give heed to our hearts and ways ; be faithful 
to God and the interests of his kingdom, that we may 
have hope in our death, and be found having on the Re- 
deemer's righteousness. 

My fellow mortals, let us all consider ourselves, as 
loudly and solemnly addressed, by this warning voice of 
God. The great and the honorable must be brought low. 
The grandeur of the world must be levelled with the 
dust. But real integrity of heart will secure the divine 
approbation. Happy are they, and they only, who, by 
a spiritual regeneration, are brought near to God. We 
must soon be consigned to the grave. But we must a- 
wake from the slumbers of death ; for the trumpet shall 
sound and the dead arise. How solemn the thought ! 
How dreadful if unprepared for heaven ! But, how hap- 
py and glorious for those who die in the Lord ! 

May we live the life of the righteous, and may our last 
end be like his. 

AMEN, 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




011 699 631 5 | 



